Weekly epidemiological update on COVID-19 –  16 March 2021

Data as received by WHO from national authorities, as of 14 March 2021, 10 am CET

16 March 2021
 | Emergency Situational Updates
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Overview

In the past week, new cases continued to rise globally, increasing by 10% in the past week to over 3 million new reported cases. After peaking in early January 2021 when there were just under 5 million cases, new cases then declined to around 2.5 million in the week commencing 15 February 2021 but in the past three weeks have increased again. This week, the Americas and Europe continue to account for over 80% of new cases and new deaths, with rises in new cases seen in all regions apart from Africa, where a decrease by 4% has been reported.

In this edition, special focus updates are provided on:

  • Building and maintaining trust - what countries should do to prepare communities for a COVID-19 vaccine, treatment, or a new test; and
  • SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern

 

WHO Team
Emergency Response (WRE)